Complete America’s National Scenic Trails Act

 Introduction

On April 9, 2009, Representative Gerry E. Connolly (D-VA) and Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Complete America's Great Trails Act (H.R.1912).

Background

In 1968 the National Trail System Act was signed into law.  This law allows Congress to designate a trail of particular natural beauty as a National Scenic Trail (NST).  To date Congress has created eight NSTs, several of which are open to equestrians along all or part of their length.  

Most sections of the eight NSTs are managed by the various federal land agencies and are open to the public.  However, some sections cross private land to which access is limited or prohibited.  Though the combined lengths of the NSTs are 14,600 miles, 3520 miles of these trails remain closed to the public. 

H.R. 1912

This bill would create a new tax credit for private landowners who grant a conservation easement to a NST which crosses their property.   It is hoped that this tax credit will encourage land owners to establish easements and complete the NSTs.  Such conservation easements will ensure that many more miles of NSTs will be open to the public and users of NSTs will always have access to those portions of NSTs.

Status

This bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. 

AHC Position

The American Horse Council supports this bill.